Constellations
⭐ MasteredConstellations are patterns of stars people imagined as pictures. The Big Dipper, Orion and the Southern Cross help travellers find their way.
Sailors used constellations to navigate.
All about Constellations
A constellation is a group of stars that people have linked together to form a pattern or picture, such as a hunter, an animal or an object. Different cultures have created their own constellations, and many have been used for navigation and telling the seasons.
Stars in a constellation are often far apart from each other in space; we only see them as a pattern because they are in similar directions from Earth. The Big Dipper, Orion and the Southern Cross are famous examples.
Constellations are patterns of stars that people have imagined as pictures, such as animals, heroes or objects. Ancient people used them to tell the seasons, find their way and tell stories.
The shapes of constellations change slowly over thousands of years, and different constellations can be seen at different times of the year.
🎮 Try it yourself!
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👀 What the animation shows
This animation shows star patterns in the night sky being joined up with lines to form familiar pictures. Watch how the lines turn scattered stars into a recognisable constellation.
Real-life uses of Constellations
- Finding north using the Big Dipper
- Navigating by the Southern Cross in the southern hemisphere
- Learning the seasons by which constellations are visible
Frequently asked questions about Constellations
How many constellations are there?
The International Astronomical Union recognises 88 official constellations.
Is the Big Dipper a constellation?
The Big Dipper is an asterism, which is a famous pattern within the larger constellation Ursa Major.
How do I find a constellation?
Use a star-map app or a printed star chart, and look for bright stars and their patterns on a clear night.